Youth Update

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WEEK 1:High schoolers change a lot—and frequently. Maybe your teen has discovered a few new interests. Maybe they’ve recently quit playing a sport or instrument they once loved. They’ve also probably made some new friends you’ve never met and ended a few friendships they’ve had since elementary school. Ask your teen what’s changed the most since last year.

REMEMBER THIS:So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

DO THIS // MORNING TIMEThis weekend, get up before your teen and prepare them a warm breakfast. This is totally doable because, well, teens love to sleep. Unless they have an early morning practice (insert yawn here), chances are you’re up before they are. Nothing gets a teen out of their room faster than the smell of bacon.

Yes, it really was a bad idea to give your six-year-old access to the finger paints while you did the laundry. Or to let your fourteen-year-old son stay overnight at his friend’s place without triple checking to make sure his parents were home.And maybe it wasn’t all that wise when you had that fight heated conversation in the kitchen when the kids were watching cartoons.We all have regrets.But the flip side is also true.We all have things we’ll never regret doing as a parent. And if you think about doing things you’ll never regret, you can actually do them more often.Here are 5 things I think you’ll never regret as a parent:1 – TAKING FAMILY VACATIONSIt can be so hard to find both time and money to get away, but it’s been one of the best things we’ve done as a family over the years.While staycations can be decent, a vacation moves everyone out of their native environment. There’s no grass to cut, no clutter to clean up every three hours, no video games to play for hours and hours and hours, or friends who want you to come over (again). All of you move into new experiences and new environments together. Even if you don’t have a ton of money, borrow someone’s house for the weekend (we’ve done that), and change up the scenery. Moments away will become some of your kids’ fondest memories—and yours.2 – PUTTING EACH OTHER BEFORE THE KIDSYou’ve probably heard it as much as I have: One of the greatest gifts any parent can give a child is a healthy marriage.It’s as important for your child to know you love each other as it is for your child to know you love them.So take a date night. Hire and sitter or enlist the grandparents and go on a weekend away. Your friends will be envious (we haven’t been away together without the kids in seven years!!!), and you’ll have so much fun you’ll think you’re dating again.Here’s something else I’ve discovered. Eventually the kids move out (really…no lies!), and all you have left is each other. It works way better when you’ve built up your relationship to the point where you actually still like each other. :) READ MORE ON THE PARENT CUE BLOG